AILA calls for a move beyond past benchmarks to a real discussion of what can make our nation more secure

Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released a report this week finding that the border security benchmarks of the past immigration reform bills have been met or exceeded. AILA calls on Congress and the President to resist the urge to throw more money and resources at the border when it is unclear that will make our country more secure.

"Almost every discussion of comprehensive immigration reform begins with the "need for more border security" when in reality, over the past few years, we've seen more manpower, more drones, more fences and definitely more money poured into border enforcement," said Laura Lichter, AILA President. She continued, "And the effect is obvious, illegal migration is down to its lowest level in 40 years."

Su Kim, chief author of the report noted, "We have reached a high-water mark in spending on the border and current realities do not justify continued build-up modeled on past proposals. AILA looked at whether those benchmarks had been met, and in almost every single case, they had been met or exceeded. The question now is whether lawmakers from both parties will move beyond outdated strategies to focus on immigration reform that will bring people out of the shadows onto an earned path to citizenship and create an immigration system that works for our people, our economy, and our country."

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.